Leadership

Martin Gillespie

Executive Director

It ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!

- Rocky Balboa

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Martin Gillespie is a proud native of South Jersey and serves as the Executive Director of AFPI, focusing on development, communications, marketing, digital, and events. He previously served as AFPI’s chief development officer and has more than 25 years of experience in the conservative movement, with roles at The Heritage Foundation, the RNC, the DOJ, and the Hill, including extensive campaign management experience.

His over two decades in the conservative movement include serving as Deputy Director at the Republican National Committee, Executive Director of American Majority Action, Campaign Manager for Congressman Chris Smith, Political Director for Senator Sam Brownback, and service as a political appointee in the Department of Justice under President George W. Bush. He is a graduate with highest honors in political science from Rutgers University and also has a master’s degree in management and fundraising from Avila University. He is named after his immigrant grandfather and also married to an immigrant (Joana) and wants to preserve the promise of America for future generations, most especially his children Jimmy, William, Martin, and Esther. He is a longtime member of Wedgwood Country Club and has been a Third Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus for over 25 years. In his spare time, he loves playing golf (broke 70 twice in his life—with witnesses!), the Jersey shore, and Italian restaurants.

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